Urban Forestry

What is the urban forest?

Our urban forest includes all trees - from a single maple in a planter, to a row of elms lining a downtown street, to carefully tended pines in residential backyards, to islands of native forest amidst urban development. Their natural diversity and their interconnectedness with human activities and the built environment make urban forests both complex and dynamic.

Common Questions

1. What do I do if my tree needs pruning?
HRM is currently working towards a cyclical pruning program. In the interim tree concerns around pruning should be directed to our 311 call centre agents.

2. How do I get a new tree?
Should you require a new tree, please contact our 311 call centre. Our agents will forward your request to our Urban Forest crew, who will assess each case individually. Coming soon, we will be publishing our planting schedule for this fall, and the coming season in the coming weeks.

3. Can I get a tree on HRM property removed?
Tree removal is handled on a case-by-case basis. Should you spot a tree that you feel should be removed, please contact the 311 call centre. Our agents will forward your concern along to the appropriate individual.

4. Who do I call if I have questions about trees?
Our 311 call centre agents will be able to answer most questions you have relating to trees. Should they be unable to answer, they will forward your question along to the appropriate individual for follow-up.

5. How do I get a stump removed?
Please contact the 311 call centre with all stump removal requests.

6. Why does the city plant trees under power lines?
Although trees may compete for the same space as power lines, if the trees are properly pruned and managed, they pose little risk to power infrastructure. The benefits the urban forest provides to our city far outweigh the minimal risks imposed upon infrastructure, or cost of pruning.

Why Trees are Important in an Urban Setting:

Improved air quality: HRM’s urban forest removes almost 1,500 tonnes of air-borne pollutants yearly. Leaf surfaces are able to trap and absorb noxious gases and particulates. This can go a long way towards alleviating our increasing problems with smog.

Energy moderation: When properly planted and selected, trees can provide energy savings year-round. In the summer, trees provide shade and shelter from the heat. In the winter, when the leaves have fallen, the tree allows sunlight to pass through, while providing added protection from the cool winter winds.

Temperature management: Trees in urban settings are able to buffer extremes in temperature. The shade provided by the trees prevents the infrastructure from absorbing heat, and trees transpire large quantities of water on a daily basis, which cools the ambient air.

Property values and aesthetics: Not only do trees make the city a nicer place, they also increase property values. In some cases, it is estimated that property values may increase by up to 25% in a well-treed neighbourhood.

Noise pollution: Trees can buffer city noise, reducing overall noise pollution. Planting a row of trees between residential properties and a highway is an effective way of reducing noise.

Storm-water reduction: Urban forest canopy directs rainwater from streets, into the ground. This enables water filtration through the soil, resulting in cleaner water and less water damage to city infrastructure.

Wildlife habitat: There are many different organisms that rely on our urban forest for life. Everything from microorganisms to birds and deer rely on our trees for shelter and food.

Physical and psychological well-being: Studies have proven that trees are good for your psychological well-being. Not only are you likely to recover more quickly from an ailment in a treed environment, but studies also show that treed neighbourhoods have reduced crime rates.